Episode 130: Adventure, Connection, and Reclaiming Joy with Dr. Jessie Mahoney, Dr. Sarah Smith and Dr. Siobhan Key

Welcome to the Sustainable Clinical Medicine Podcast!

In this special cross-pollinated episode, Dr. Sarah Smith sits down with Dr. Siobhan Key and Dr. Jessie Mahoney—two fellow physician coaches and long-time collaborators—for a candid conversation about reframing life and work in medicine for greater sustainability. As the panel reflects on the past year and looks forward to 2025, they open up about personal growth, big life transitions, and how each of them is intentionally crafting a more fulfilling and balanced life both inside and outside the clinic.

Listen in as Dr. Smith shares her journey of returning to Australia and embracing new adventures, Dr. Mahoney discusses building a retreat center and leaning into new opportunities, and Dr. Key explores the importance of replenishment, self-reflection, and pursuing passions beyond medicine. Together, they offer practical insights on adapting to change—whether it’s integrating new technologies like AI scribing or simply surviving a new EMR rollout—and they speak honestly about the discomfort, excitement, and learning that comes with growth.

This episode is filled with tips for creating sustainable routines, reflections on personal and professional development, and encouragement to embrace both the challenges and rewards of transformation. Whether you're a seasoned physician or just starting your practice, you'll find reassurance and inspiration in the stories, strategies, and camaraderie shared in today’s discussion.

Let’s dive in!

Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode:

1.  Embrace Change at Your Own Pace: Whether it’s new technology like AI scribing or a shift in your clinical environment, remember that adapting is a process—not a race. Give yourself grace and patience as you work through the inefficiencies and discomfort that accompany change (you’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed at times!).
2.  Intentional Reflection Fuels Growth: Instead of traditional resolutions, try reflecting on the past year—what you’re proud of, what challenged you, and what you truly want in the year ahead. For us, themes like connection, adventure, belonging, and “more me” set the tone for 2024.
3. Connection & Coaching Matter: Sharing your struggles and wins—whether in group coaching, with a colleague, or through community—reduces isolation and leads to creative solutions. Investing in yourself (through coaching or peer support) isn’t just valuable, it’s transformative for your career and well-being.

Letting Go of Frustration and Embracing Change

Dr. Jessie Mahoney, a mindfulness coach and yoga instructor, shared a powerful analogy from her life. She recently moved to the countryside, where a creek outside her home serves as a daily reminder of how life ebbs and flows. Some days, the creek is calm and quiet; other days, it’s noisy and chaotic. She’s learned to embrace these shifts, recognizing that frustration only makes the hard moments harder.

For physicians, this perspective is invaluable. Whether it’s navigating a new workflow or dealing with workplace changes, letting go of frustration and focusing on what you can control can make all the difference.

Asking for What You Need

Dr. Sarah Smith has been adjusting to life and work in a new country, and she shared a simple but effective strategy: step back and ask yourself, What do I need to make this work for me?

Whether you’re facing a new team dynamic or adapting to technological shifts in your practice, pausing to evaluate your needs—and advocating for them—can help you approach change with confidence instead of overwhelm.

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Would you like to view a transcript of this episode? Click here

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**** If you would like more information on the other two doctors on this podcast episode.

• Jessie Mahoney can be found at www.jessiemahoneymd.com
• Siobhan Key can be found at https://weightsolutionsforphysicians.ca/

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